The first day in Lourdes with the Order of Malta and their guests have been completed. What started out with a cold, gray, drizzly sky has ended with scattered strands of clouds catching the lingering evening light as they slowly drift across a pale blue canvas of sky.
The Order of Malta is an ancient lay organization dedicated to the works of mercy, particularly to the poor and the sick. As part of their mission, they invite to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes a variety of individuals suffering from various serious health conditions. The men and women of the Order accompany their guests and caregivers in a week filled with the rhythm of prayer, sacramental rituals, and fellowship. I serve as part of the chaplain team. Besides a good number of priests and religious, a significant number of volunteers participate in this extraordinary journey of faith to the renowned grotto where the Blessed Virgin Mary revealed a spring of healing water to the young French girl, Bernadette.
This morning, one of the priest chaplains shared a reflection on journey just begun. He told the participants, some of whom have never before crossed the Atlantic, that they had just completed the shortest and easiest part of the journey. His words were not meant to belittle the transatlantic fatigue and strain on already vulnerable individuals. His words opened another wider horizon that could be found in the recesses of the Lourdes Grotto shrine where the white image of the Immaculate Conception still invites those who have followed Bernadette to the healing spring.
Many of those who journey to Lourdes come seeking healing and help. The sickness or human frailty that precipitated the desire to visit Mary's shrine at the feet of the Pyrenees mountains also prompted the opening of a door to something more, the rich mystery of mercy that is only found through the poverty of human weakness and suffering. While the pilgrim explores the different sights at this remarkable Marian Shrine, Mary beckons us to a deeper exploration to find the eternal spring of her Son's divine mercy that can truly soothe and heal the human heart.
The priest reflected on a belief that is common among those who had regular occasions to come to the grotto of Lourdes: Miraculous cures do happen, but everyone can experience the healing touch of God's mercy. For this we must all heed the call of Mary's Son, "Come, follow me" and begin in earnest the journey of faith.